NATHAN MASON + CATHERINE SCHWALBE :: MISTAKES WERE MADE

UNUM is please to present an indoor/outdoor exhibition of new work by Nathan Mason and Catherine Schwalbe.

Former studio mates at Lill Street Studios, Nathan Mason and Cathi Schwalbe have firmly rooted their expansive practices in the earth and mud.  In her exploration of the Midwest’s agricultural heritage, Schwalbe has meandered throughout the region, engaging in various festivals and residencies where she daylights practices ranging from genetic modification of corn to the quotidian accumulation of timesheets that are generated by the workers at mills, farms and other rural industries.

Nathan Mason characterizes his current body of glazed ceramic sculpture as “something of a romp” through inspirations that range from prehistoric figurines to Meissen garnitures to Beatrice Woods.   A long-time curator of Chicago’s Public Art program, Mason has been producing sculpture and installations for over 30 years, currently working from his ceramic studio in the Ravenswood Art Corridor. 

For the exhibit, Schwalbe will be producing interactive labyrinths in an inventive range of materials both inside the exhibit space and outside in the garden and parking lot of the Albany-Carroll building in East Garfield Park.   Mason has reworked an earlier set of glazed ceramic sculptures that he once considered finished.   Mistakes were made, Mistakes were embraced.

On Saturday May 6, Schwalbe will conduct a labyrinth-making workshop in the back garden of the building.   

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On Saturday June 3, Mason will be in conversation with Rick Valicenti of thirst.